tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38026415129401227032016-12-09T08:23:33.547-06:00Genealogy LinesRuby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-21474626885537850592016-04-13T08:18:00.000-05:002016-04-13T08:18:06.388-05:00<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;"><b>Walking in Another’s Shoes&nbsp;</b></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">When my sister-in-law asked me to locate more information about a black Civil War soldier, I became interested in his life.&nbsp; Little did I know that my interest in Thomas Jackson would lead me to walking in another’s shoes.&nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">It isn’t easy to put yourself into somebody else’s shoes.&nbsp; Not only had I never done African American research, but I’m caucasian… white skin, blonde hair and blue eyes. &nbsp; While I am a professional genealogist, this was out of my scope of experience.&nbsp; Surely I could walk around in their shoes and learn something, plenty of something.&nbsp; I have no black ancestors, but quite a few ancestors who owned slaves. &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">Those shoes have proved to be painful.&nbsp; I have photos of some people I research, their eyes looking at me as if they are inquiring if I know what their life was really like.&nbsp; Children, staring back at me with their cute, childish grins, holding white dollies.&nbsp; Did they know those dolls were white? &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">I grew up with a prejudged mother, southern grandparents, relatives and ancestors.&nbsp; I knew the rules and especially learned my lesson when I requested a black dollie for Christmas.&nbsp; The signs of segregated restrooms, drinking fountains and lunch counters are still vivid in my mind.&nbsp; What right do I have prying now into their lives, their painful lives? &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">In 1962 I bid farewell to college friends who were boarding a Nebraska train bound for Hattiesburg, Mississippi.&nbsp; They were going to make a wrong a right.&nbsp; Or were they merely going for the adventure?&nbsp; As if going off to war, they proclaimed that they might not come back alive. &nbsp;<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I didn’t go to experience the Mississippi turmoils and view first hand the brutalities.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">&nbsp; </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">What right do I have now that I’m investigating these black lives?</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">&nbsp;</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">The shoes are worn through at times, and I am walking on bare feet.&nbsp; I feel the sting of the rocks of a foreign soil and at times history reminds me of the lashings and beatings as well as the lynchings.&nbsp; Walking in those shoes does not make a wrong a right.&nbsp; My feet are tired at times and I want to stop walking and researching.&nbsp; Later I am compelled to walk again and see what is around the next bend.&nbsp; Who are the masters who owned humans of another color?&nbsp; Wishing to keep going beyond the Emancipation, I pick up only fragments of names, very seldom a surname, or names of parents. &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">My research comes to a halt quickly as I discover name changes, missing records and I long for written testimonies, other than criminal records or newspaper accounts.&nbsp; As I dig deeper and deeper the frustration mounts as well as the sensitivity to the mental and physical battering of black lives.&nbsp; Was the Peculiar Institution political and economical?&nbsp; Was there no love and compassion in the souls of the masters?&nbsp; I hope that my slave owning ancestors treated their slaves with kindness.&nbsp; Especially in one plantation family, I have proof that my great, great, great uncle had children by one of his slaves, all the while his wife was filling their mansion with white babies.&nbsp; Disgust and bile for what he did churn inside of me. &nbsp;</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; line-height: normal;">Yet my research must go on as my sister-in-law and I are writing a book on the African Americans of Western Nebraska.&nbsp; Some had been slaves and others had parents who were slaves, while even more were third generation blacks who sought land or employment in western Nebraska.&nbsp; Some had escaped slavery by the Underground Railroad to Canada.&nbsp; A few of them fought in the Civil War and then enlisted as buffalo soldiers.&nbsp; When their term of service expired, they were at Fort Robinson in the panhandle of Nebraska.&nbsp; They stayed in the area to continue their life, free from slavery.&nbsp; How free was it?&nbsp; The railroad opened the route to the settlement of western Nebraska as well as challenges to the black population.&nbsp; Am I up to the challenge of telling their story?&nbsp; I cannot walk comfortably in their shoes, but I have a story to tell so that they will be remembered. &nbsp;</div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div>Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-81802203548718528402015-06-22T15:15:00.000-05:002015-06-22T15:15:19.338-05:00Genealogy Society WoesMy genealogy friend, Susan Petersen of Lincoln, Nebraska, writes the blog Long Lost Relatives. &nbsp;The end of April Susan blogged about genealogy societies in <a href="http://longlostrelatives-smp.blogspot.com/2015/04/an-open-letter-to-genealogy-societies.html">An open letter to genealogy societies</a>. &nbsp;To briefly point our her frustrations which apply to many local and states societies within many states, they are: &nbsp;hoarding money, journals and newsletters not available electronically, repetitive conferences, web sites not being updated, regenerating of board members and officers for years and years, lack of innovation and development of new techniques.<br /><br />Her points are well taken. &nbsp;Continually I hear people mention or write about a genealogy society that is struggling to exist or on the brink of extinction. &nbsp;They often ask, "Why is this happenings?" &nbsp;There are probably many reasons, many of which are addressed by Susan in her April 2015 blog. &nbsp;Of course, the few left within the society will point their finger at Internet. &nbsp;Who needs a society when you have Internet?<br /><br />Welcome! &nbsp;If a society is not making their members feel welcome, there is no reason for members to join. &nbsp;Members can be people who attend meetings during the year or people who live a distance away and want to support the society. &nbsp;This goes hand in hand with the regenerating of board members. &nbsp;Over and over, board members are juggled around year after year. &nbsp;Yes, they are usually very willing workers, but what happens when somebody from the outside world want to become a board member? &nbsp;Most likely they are turned down because the board has turned into an elite group. &nbsp;The same board will ask for volunteers. &nbsp;When somebody volunteers, most likely they are never contacted and at the very least not felt welcome. &nbsp;Out of the mouths of those same board members, you will hear "We can never find officers." &nbsp;This placates their need for juggling officers!<br /><br />What experience do people need to become a genealogy society board member? &nbsp;Is this information spelled out somewhere? &nbsp;At the time of the organization of a genealogical society and formation of the board, all of the board members were board-beginners. &nbsp;Clues to what is considered appropriate for board members can be found in the society's by-laws, mission statement and/or standing rules. &nbsp;If you have joined a society, regardless of the membership fee, you have invested in that society and you are entitled to know the inner-workings of the society.<br /><br />A by-law is a rule or law established by the organization to regulate itself. &nbsp;They are important or the genealogy society become an "anything goes as we want it to go" society. &nbsp;By-laws are so important that the <a href="http://www.fgs.org/cpage.php?pt=4">Federation of Genealogical Societies </a>and the<a href="http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/ngs_bylaws"> National Genealogical Society</a> have theirs posted on their websites. &nbsp;Many societies, large, small, local or state post theirs on their web sites. &nbsp;They take this seriously! &nbsp;As a member you should also! <br /><br />Each state and local genealogical society has their own wording for by-laws, but basically they are a base for regulating the membership criteria, their non-profit status, purpose, meetings, officers, board of directors, committees and more. &nbsp;Unfortunately many society board members become complacent when it comes to adhering to the by-laws. &nbsp;When their membership goes downhill and there is a total lack of enthusiasm, it is time for somebody to ask who is running the show. &nbsp;Is one person on the board exerting their authority? &nbsp;Are board members adhering to the by-laws? &nbsp;Do they even read the by-laws? <br /><br />The standing rules of a genealogy society normally will contain more explicit information pertaining to the duties and responsibilities of officers, trustees and committees. &nbsp;Is there an overlap in responsibilities on your society's board? &nbsp;Maybe you need to add a committee of people to oversee special duties and functions. &nbsp;Is one person on the board assuming too much responsibility for the affairs of the society? <br /><br />Most genealogy societies have a mission statement that contains their purpose in a few words or one or two sentences. &nbsp;The <a href="http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/about/mission.html">Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library</a>'s mission statement is, "The Southern California Genealogical Society exists to foster interest in family history and genealogy, preserve genealogical materials, and provide instruction in accepted and effective research techniques." &nbsp;At least once a year, every society's board members need to re-read the mission statement and ask if they are fulfilling that statement. &nbsp;Why would you want to join a society that has no guidance or goals? <br /><br />Why does a genealogical society need a web site, Facebook page or blog? &nbsp;Answer: &nbsp;to be in touch with their members and prospective members. &nbsp;What about those few who still do not care to own a computer? &nbsp;Are they not significant? &nbsp;Reach out to everybody, even though you cringe at the prospect that a member is not computer savvy. &nbsp;We have come a long ways in the genealogy world, but we need to embrace all genealogists of various levels of expertise and experience. &nbsp;Is your web site up to date? &nbsp;There is nothing more frustrating than paying membership dues and either not receiving publications that are specifically noted in membership benefits and/or consistently viewing a stagnant web page. &nbsp;If you are to receive four publications a years, whether in paper or electronically, you are entitled to those publications.<br /><br />Time! &nbsp;We all need more time. &nbsp;I have heard this continually within genealogical societies. &nbsp;It is difficult to expect volunteers, whether officers, committee people or members, to contribute on a timely schedule. &nbsp;However, by working together, it can and should be done. &nbsp;Working together is the key! &nbsp;If your society has specific projects, set a time frame for them and adhere to it. &nbsp;Fulfill your goals.<br /><br />Maybe your genealogical society has sparse bank accounts, but most have funds that are adequate enough for projects and some type of conference or meetings. &nbsp;Cutting corners in genealogical education is NOT an option. &nbsp;People who attend conferences, whether members of not, will be paying for the conference, spending transportation money, as well as money for food and lodging. &nbsp;Is your conference worthwhile enough to attract members and non-members? &nbsp;Keep in mind that non-members may become members if they are made welcome and if they learn and enjoy the conference. &nbsp;Are webinars and online videos killing the conferences? &nbsp;Genealogical societies need to readjust their attitude toward conferences. &nbsp;Ask yourself why people are not attending. &nbsp; Can you appeal to smaller groups more frequently and still educate them? &nbsp;People want something, free or purchased, when they attend a conference. &nbsp;Because of expenses, vendors are not attending conferences except for the "big three." &nbsp;Look at the genealogical population in your area and decide what will work best. &nbsp;Think outside the box. &nbsp;Do not be afraid to do something different.<br /><br />When I began doing genealogical research approximately 50 years ago, the only way to obtain information was to write to a library or courthouse. &nbsp;Of course, you could always drive there. &nbsp;We did not make phone calls and there was no e-mail and no fax machines. &nbsp;Many courthouses did not have photocopy machines. &nbsp;When I was about 17 years old, my mother hired a professional genealogist to mentor me. &nbsp;This was the greatest gift my mother ever gave me. &nbsp;The mentor did not tell me exactly what to do, but had me resolve, with her guidance, my research problems, evaluate the evidence and determine the steps of the research process. &nbsp;In 1960 this was the beginning of genealogy in my life. &nbsp;I have never ceased to learn, study, receive education and have ceaselessly attempted to share my knowledge with others. &nbsp;At age 71, I am still contributing and learning. &nbsp;I welcome and embrace the younger generation of genealogists. &nbsp;They are the ones, like I was in 1960, who will carry on the research. &nbsp;However, this can also be two-sided. &nbsp;Does the younger generation embrace the older genealogists? &nbsp;Sad so say, many do not. &nbsp;Just because you have achieved a certain level of research ability by age 35 and hold positions on genealogical society boards, does not mean that you can ignore and discount genealogists who have years and years of knowledge to share. &nbsp;Is your society appealing to every age, race and nationality? &nbsp;About 20 years ago I was shunned from a genealogical society because I am a professional genealogist &nbsp;We both lost in this case. &nbsp;I was looking forward to learning more about doing research in that area and I would have willingly share my expertise with them.<br /><br />Turn your society into a win-win group. &nbsp;To do this, look at every aspect of the society, beginning with the mission statement, by-laws and standing rules. &nbsp;Do some soul-searching to determine your role in the society and how you are going to make significant improvements. &nbsp;Have you considered what would happen if the library opened its doors and nobody walked through those doors? &nbsp;What happens if your society ceases to exist simply because lack of enthusiasm, structure and consideration. <br /><br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-17509296196977846372014-08-16T17:27:00.000-05:002014-08-16T17:27:12.312-05:00NEBRASKA --- host to the Family History ExpoIn less than a month, the Midwest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/viewevent/index/72">Family History Expo</a> will be coming to Kearney, Nebraska. &nbsp;It begins at the Holiday Inn Convention Center on Sept 12th at noon and ends at 4:30 pm on Sept 13th. <br /><br />There will be vendors and exhibiters and speakers and people talking GENEALOGY. &nbsp;You won't want to miss out on this event. &nbsp;I will be speaking on both days. &nbsp;My topics are: &nbsp;Organizing Your Genealogy Mess (and who doesn't have a mess?); Prose on the Prairie: &nbsp;Letters, Dairies and Journals; Nebraska Homestead Records Online; Westward Migrations: &nbsp;Midwest to the Plains States; Annulments, Separations and Divorces; Am I an American Now? --Becoming Naturalized. <br /><br />James L. Tanner will be at the Expo to give you all kinds of advise about MyHeritage.com, Ancestry, Google and FamilySearch.org. &nbsp;If you have German ancestry, you won't want to miss Ruth Ellen Maness, AG who speaks about German websites, research in German records and even about Scandinavian church records. <br /><br />Artlene Eakle returns to speak on New England research, immigration/emigration records and the Scots-Irish. &nbsp;Brad and Sharon Monson will be lending their expertise about proving your pedigree, tips for beginners, Google and scanning photos and documents. &nbsp;In addition, <br />Beth Sparrow of Nebraska will be speaking about Find A Grave and USGenWeb. &nbsp;There are others along with a great panel discussion, Museums and their Genealogical Value. <br /><br />Get your reservations made and mark your calendar. &nbsp;This will be an event you will not want to miss. See you in Kearney in September.<br /><br />Ruby ... bound to be gold in this event! &nbsp; <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqlGDjFBrb0/U-_aPkPVuCI/AAAAAAAABJs/jWO3kqup6tI/s1600/holiday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqlGDjFBrb0/U-_aPkPVuCI/AAAAAAAABJs/jWO3kqup6tI/s1600/holiday.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holiday Inn<br />110 S. 2nd Avenue<br />Kearney, NE 68847&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-69733032264692218472014-08-08T16:47:00.002-05:002014-08-08T16:47:14.646-05:00Nebraska ... where genealogy gold shines! The horse trotted north out of Kansas and we are now in Nebraska. &nbsp;Feels like home! &nbsp;The saddle bag has been lightened. &nbsp;All of my books, <i>Genealogical Research in Nebraska, revised edition</i>, have been sold. &nbsp;The mouse suggested that I make a digital copy of it for sale on my web page. &nbsp;We arrived here in Nebraska much lighter, so it's time to mine for genealogy gold.<br /><br />First things first! <i>&nbsp;Genealogical Research in Nebraska, revised edition</i> contains over 545 pages. &nbsp;There are hundreds of URL links and the mouse said your mouse should be able to click on any of them and find gold. &nbsp;You can purchase that in PDF format on my website, <a href="http://genealogyworks.weebly.com/store/p7/Genealogical_Research_in_Nebraska%2C_revised_edition_-_digital_.html">Genealogy Works</a>, &nbsp;for $24.95. &nbsp;Hurry and do this so you can follow me around looking for Nebraska gold!<br /><br />I suppose the best place to start is the <a href="http://www.nebraskahistory.org/">Nebraska State Historical Society</a>&nbsp;at 1500 R Street&nbsp;in Lincoln, NE. &nbsp;The mouse suggested we get there before the Huskers begin their football season because that society is located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. &nbsp;There might not be a place to tie up my horse if we wait too long.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnpG9I02AkE/U-VFQdZwDsI/AAAAAAAABJY/ZxsTbEowMYM/s1600/hqbld1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnpG9I02AkE/U-VFQdZwDsI/AAAAAAAABJY/ZxsTbEowMYM/s1600/hqbld1.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nebraska State Historical Society</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What a great surprise that I have found a list of<a href="http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/research/library/newspapr.htm"> Nebraska newspapers on microfilm</a>. &nbsp;They also have the Nebraska newspapers there on microfilm. &nbsp; Then I discovered their <a href="http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/research/photos/search_photo_collections.htm">Photo Collections</a>. &nbsp;They consist of Prairie Settlement, Nebraska Memories, Willa Cather Archives, Omaha Indian Heritage and Plains Indian Ledger Art. &nbsp;There's a lot in that building, so best you look for yourself. <br /><br />My next stop is at the <a href="http://www.ucollege.edu/library">Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Library</a>. &nbsp;It is at the Union College campus at 3800 S. 48th Street in Lincoln, NE. &nbsp;The <a href="http://www.llcgs.info/">Lincoln-Lancaster Genealogical Society</a> (LLCCS) library collection is there. &nbsp;Take a peak at what is in that <a href="http://llcgs.info/libraryRecords.php">collection</a> and you will undoubtedly find some gold nuggets. <br /><br />The trip here from Kansas has done me in. &nbsp;I will let you know about more nuggets in a few days. <br /><br />Ruby --- mining for genealogy gold in NebraskaRuby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-87905640156018248682014-08-04T15:38:00.001-05:002014-08-04T15:38:24.311-05:00Nuggets in those digital books I am about to leave Kansas. &nbsp;The horse and mouse decided to spend another day resting. &nbsp;That gave me plenty of time to get my two books into digital format and ready for genealogists to buy and download. &nbsp;Both books are in PDF format and can be read with Adobe Acrobat. <br /><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/l90hm94">Iowa Genealogical Research</a> contains 418 pages. &nbsp;It sells for $22.95 in digital format. &nbsp;Be sure to follow the directions and put it in the cart before paying for it. &nbsp;There are hundreds of URL links that will keep researchers very busy. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU0hzlA3BVs/U9_u7AB3FHI/AAAAAAAABJI/A1w8KjNGLjk/s1600/Iowa+book+cover+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU0hzlA3BVs/U9_u7AB3FHI/AAAAAAAABJI/A1w8KjNGLjk/s1600/Iowa+book+cover+jpg.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lc8ldvw">Genealogical Research in Nebraska</a>, revised edition contains 545 pages. &nbsp;It sells for $24.95 in digital format. &nbsp;Follow the directions for purchasing it also. &nbsp;This books contains hundreds of URL links.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRTOftcHrdA/U9_uosb8n6I/AAAAAAAABJA/b0vPlzAozHs/s1600/revised+front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRTOftcHrdA/U9_uosb8n6I/AAAAAAAABJA/b0vPlzAozHs/s1600/revised+front+cover.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><br />Stay tuned for my travels ... the horse and mouse are ready to take off again. <br /><br />Ruby --- mining genealogy gold and leaving nuggets in digital format.<br /><br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-17682735725572530232014-08-01T08:37:00.000-05:002014-08-01T08:37:00.414-05:00Kansas Has Genealogy Gold My trusty companions, the horse and mouse, have turned me south and west of Michigan. &nbsp;We crossed some a mighty big rivers and ended up in Kansas. &nbsp;This state promises to be interesting and should keep me busy all weekend.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crjt6HaEasA/U9uXup0fbRI/AAAAAAAABIw/URhSJRSInaI/s1600/sunflower.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crjt6HaEasA/U9uXup0fbRI/AAAAAAAABIw/URhSJRSInaI/s1600/sunflower.gif" /></a></div><br /><br />So far I have been looking for gold at the <a href="http://www.kshs.org/">Kansas Historical Society</a>. &nbsp;They have a section devoted to <a href="http://www.kansasmemory.org/">Kansas Memory</a>. &nbsp;The mouse clicked on <a href="http://www.kansasmemory.org/category/3063">Osborne County</a> and discovered all kinds of photographs and documents. &nbsp;Now the mouse wants to click on all of the counties! &nbsp;The Historical Society's <a href="http://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-digital-newspaper-program/16126">Kansas Digital Newspaper</a> program is interesting. &nbsp;There are over 200,000 Kansas newspapers available (free) at <a href="http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/">Chronicling America-Library of Congress</a>. &nbsp;The horse and mouse are excited that we are turning east and heading to Washington, DC. &nbsp;There is no need since all that gold is right here for the mouse to find. <br /><br />There is still gold nuggets to be found in Topeka, so I hunker down to start diggin'. &nbsp;I discovered the <a href="http://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-military-index/15797">Kansas Military Index</a> and it was shining nice and bright with gold. &nbsp;I am jumping for joy because there are indexes to all kinds of military records, such as the<a href="http://www.kshs.org/p/19th-kansas-cavalry-enlistment-papers/11171"> Kansas 19th Cavalry Enlistments, 1868-1869</a>. There is also an index to <a href="http://www.kshs.org/p/civil-war-veterans-in-kansas/11179">Civil War veterans in Kansas</a>. <br /><br />I met up with another genealogist who was mining for gold. &nbsp;She whispered that I should look for nuggets in Osborne County, Kansas. &nbsp;It seems that the library there has some buried nuggets just waiting for genealogists. &nbsp;The horse, mouse and I head for the <a href="http://osbornepubliclibrary.blogspot.com/">Osborne Public Library</a> in the town of Osborne. &nbsp;It is a nice looking place and I hitch the horse up to a sign that is for handicapped. &nbsp;Sure enough there is gold in that library. &nbsp;I discover the <a href="http://osborne.advantage-preservation.com/">digitized newspapers</a> that begin in 1876. <br /><br />Dodge City seems like an interesting place that just might have gold. &nbsp;I hope I don't have to fight off gunslingers to get to it. &nbsp;The <a href="http://www.kgs-genlibrary.com/index.html">Kansas Genealogical Society</a> has a library there. &nbsp;They are joined by the <a href="http://www.kansasdar.org/">Kansas Society Daughters of the American Revolution</a> in depositing gold there. &nbsp;I stumble across an <a href="http://www.kgs-genlibrary.com/obits.html">index to obituaries</a> and jump for joy. &nbsp;They begin in 1870. &nbsp;There is just enough here for me to stick around Dodge City for days. <br /><br />See you next week!<br /><br />Ruby ... finding genealogy gold in Kansas<br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-76487509150528616522014-07-30T08:48:00.000-05:002014-07-30T08:48:02.212-05:00Michigan ... where there's Genealogy Gold I can't leave this state yet until I find more gold. &nbsp; It is shimmering through the trees and the rocks. &nbsp;Makes a person want to just stay forever. <br /><br />A gal named Kim gave me a tip on finding some gold, so the mouse and I set off real quick to see what was there. &nbsp;Sure enough that gal Kim was right! &nbsp;It didn't take the mouse long to find <a href="http://www.mifamilyhistory.org/dibeanindex/">The Dibean Michigan Marriage Index</a>. &nbsp;It's full of gold! &nbsp;Every county in Michigan is listed, along with corrections and additions and new marriages. &nbsp;Even the mouse bounced around with joy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxTftVaBGAw/U9j3fs8FjeI/AAAAAAAABIg/xwg4-3vfvtw/s1600/michmap-smaller-grn.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxTftVaBGAw/U9j3fs8FjeI/AAAAAAAABIg/xwg4-3vfvtw/s1600/michmap-smaller-grn.gif" /></a></div><br />Then I discovered gold at the Michigan Department of Health. &nbsp; It was their<a href="http://www.mdch.state.mi.us/pha/osr/gendisx/search2.htm"> Genealogical Death Indexing System</a> where I found it. &nbsp;There are only thirty years worth of information on it, 1867-1897, but I found some nuggets. <br /><br />As long as the stable boy tends to my horse, the mouse and I travel along the trails of Michigan. &nbsp;It was on one of those travels that I discovered more nuggets at the <a href="http://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/micounty/">Michigan County Histories and Atlases. &nbsp;</a>&nbsp; The mouse whispered in my ear that I should let it click on&nbsp;<a href="http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?page=browse&amp;c=micounty">"Browse Michigan County Histories and Atlases."</a> &nbsp;The diggin' is so good there I was shouting and doing a happy dance.<br /><br />I may never leave this beautiful state. &nbsp;There is a Western Michigan Genealogical Society that has <a href="http://data.wmgs.org/">Online Searchable Databases</a>. &nbsp;The mouse said he would just take over and let me rest a spell. &nbsp;So I leaned back on my saddle bag and let him lead the way. <br /><br />After a hearty meal of &nbsp;stew and biscuits, the mouse and I took off for a place called Brighton. &nbsp;It was there I discovered more nuggets at the <a href="http://www.brightonlibrary.info/genealogy_biography_databases">Brighton District Library</a>. &nbsp;They have indexes to marriage notices, obituaries, marriage records, cemetery records and death notices and records. <br /><br />You will have to just stick with me through all this traveling around. &nbsp;I may stay in Michigan a bit longer and then you may find me somewhere else. <br /><br />Ruby ... still mining gold in Michigan<br /><br /><br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-48522201959861670982014-07-29T12:56:00.000-05:002014-07-29T12:56:45.585-05:00Finding Genealogy Gold in MichiganIt was fun spending a few days in Tennessee. &nbsp;The horse and mouse won and have forced me to leave for Michigan. &nbsp;That's a bit further north and you won't believe the gold I've found.<br /><br />They have what is called a <a href="http://mimgc.org/">Michigan Genealogical Council</a>. &nbsp;The mouse showed me all kinds of links at what is called a sidebar. &nbsp;I hardly knew where to begin. &nbsp;First I clicked on <a href="http://mimgc.org/societylist.html">Michigan Genealogical and Historical Societies.</a> &nbsp;A big bunch of those so people in Michigan must like to do genealogical research ... what I call diggin' for genealogy gold. &nbsp;It is such a large state with so many societies, I hardly knew where to look, but I settled for the <a href="http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mijackgs/jcgs.htm">Jackson County Michigan Genealogical Society</a>. &nbsp;Pure gold there! &nbsp;They have death indexes 1886-1899 and death indexes 1900-1901. &nbsp;There's also a township map and I discovered all kinds of gold there such as a listing of documents and resources for the individual townships. &nbsp;I may be here for a while. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExjC_UUUDjI/U9ffb5QoGrI/AAAAAAAABIQ/OJO4tVw37gc/s1600/mgclogotransparent.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExjC_UUUDjI/U9ffb5QoGrI/AAAAAAAABIQ/OJO4tVw37gc/s1600/mgclogotransparent.gif" /></a></div><br />The mouse doesn't stay still for long, so clicked on<a href="http://mimgc.org/research.html"> Research Tools</a>. &nbsp;Looks like a lot of genealogy gold there also, everything from libraries and archives to newspapers and finding aids. &nbsp;There I discovered the <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/mhc/0,4726,7-282-61083---,00.html">Archives of Michigan; Michigan Historical Center.</a> &nbsp;I love indexes so clicked on <a href="http://seekingmichigan.org/about/indexes">Indexes</a>. &nbsp;Sure enough there I discovered <a href="http://seekingmichigan.org/about/indexes">Seeking Michigan</a> that everybody along the trail has talked about. &nbsp;You can search all kinds of things there. <br /><br />That <a href="http://seekingmichigan.org/about/indexes">Seeking Michigan</a> is a bit tricky, so let me give you some advise. &nbsp;Go to the top right hand corner and you'll see Advanced Search. &nbsp;Have your little mouse click on that. &nbsp;Up will come some search boxes and also the names of all their collections. &nbsp;That's gold ... death records 1897-1920, Civil War manuscripts, Civil War records, maps, plat maps and a whole lot more. <br /><br />There is so much here I have decided to put the horse in a stable, grab my saddle bag and mouse and head out to see what gold I can find. &nbsp;I expect there will be lot of it in Michigan. <br /><br />Ruby ... finding genealogy gold!Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-55576546257180613742014-07-25T11:19:00.000-05:002014-07-25T11:19:09.758-05:00Genealogy Gold in Tennessee After wandering all over this country, I decided to stay in Tennessee for a while and dig for gold. &nbsp;The <a href="http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/">Tennessee State Library and Archives</a> is a good place to spend my time. &nbsp; It is located in Nashville, but my clever little mouse discovered it for me. <br /><br />I have discovered the <a href="http://tnsos.net/TSLA/Bibleproject/">Family Bible Records Online</a>. &nbsp;The volunteers have scanned over 1,500 family Bible records that are located in the Tennessee State Library and Archives. &nbsp;All the names within the Bible record are indexed. &nbsp;Because the south can be difficult for researchers to locate birth, marriage and death records, this a great online resource. &nbsp;Thanks mouse! <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5r_4mbzcnh8/U9KC4kaFGhI/AAAAAAAABIA/DOenc8fW1Mw/s1600/Bible+record+.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5r_4mbzcnh8/U9KC4kaFGhI/AAAAAAAABIA/DOenc8fW1Mw/s1600/Bible+record+.tiff" height="303" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bible Record - Family Bible Records Online</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With a click of the mouse I discovered <a href="http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/Collections.htm">Research &amp; Collections</a>. &nbsp;There is everything imaginable there, such as military records, land records, maps, early legislative records, birth and death records, supreme court records and the list goes on. <br /><br />The <a href="http://tngenweb.org/">Tennessee USGenWeb</a> site is stuffed full of things to read and research. &nbsp;I am looking for some gold in cemeteries, so stopped off at the <a href="http://www.tngenweb.org/cemeteries/">TNGenWeb Cemetery Database</a>. &nbsp;I discovered a listing of cemeteries in Carter County, but was so happy to click on the map showing the location within the county. &nbsp; &nbsp;Some of the cemeteries have listings of headstones and information. &nbsp;Turned that horse around and trotted from Nashville to Carter County. &nbsp;I will need to compare this to <a href="http://www.findagrave.com/">FindAGrave</a>.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKtAqMIFr24/U9KCh6Br7nI/AAAAAAAABH4/gNfxA5284hA/s1600/carter+county+cemes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKtAqMIFr24/U9KCh6Br7nI/AAAAAAAABH4/gNfxA5284hA/s1600/carter+county+cemes.jpg" height="320" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter County, Tennessee Cemetery Map&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Look for gold at the <a href="http://tngenweb.org/histnews/">TNGenWeb Historical News Portal</a>. &nbsp;You can check the name index or browse by county. &nbsp;Before you dig, check out the <a href="http://tngenweb.org/histnews/newspaper-map/">Newspaper Map</a>. <br /><br />Now that I am wandering around Tennessee, &nbsp;I have settled down for a spell in Stewart County. &nbsp;They have a <a href="http://www.tngenweb.org/stewart/">USGenWeb</a> page also. &nbsp;This is going to keep me busy for a few days. &nbsp;There are family records, cemetery records, historical documents, photographs. &nbsp;Might as well turn the horse out to pasture and bunk down here. &nbsp;See you in a couple of days! <br /><br />Ruby .... digging for genealogy gold in Tennessee Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-73075845945359756602014-07-24T08:43:00.000-05:002014-07-24T08:43:14.350-05:00Adventures Diggin' for Genealogy Gold The other day I heard that there is genealogy gold in South Dakota. &nbsp;I made a trip to Pierre, South Dakota and dropped in at the <a href="http://history.sd.gov/archives/">South Dakota State Archives</a>. &nbsp;They dug that building into the side of a hill and from where it is located, people can watch wagon trains ford the river and head for the gold fields in the Black Hills. &nbsp;That hole in the hill has a lot of genealogy gold buried in it, such as a <a href="http://history.sd.gov/forms/surname/SurnameArchive.aspx">Newspaper Index</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="http://history.sd.gov/Archives/Data/civilwar/default.aspx">Index to the Civil War Veterans taken in 1885</a>. &nbsp;I just happened to have relatives who were in Dakota Territory in 1870, so I looked them up on the <a href="http://history.sd.gov//archives/Data/1870census/default.aspx">1870 Agricultural Census</a>.<div><br /></div><div>I could have stayed in that building in the hill for a long time, but decided I needed to drift south to Kansas. &nbsp;The <a href="http://www.kshs.org/">Kansas Historical Society</a> is in Topeka. &nbsp;Plopped my bags down with relatives and took off on a run to see what I could find. &nbsp;I discovered gold in <a href="http://www.kansasmemory.org/">Kansas Memory</a>. &nbsp;I clicked on Atchison County and up came 347 memories ... everything from photos to documents. &nbsp;<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49ZAXodX3A8/U9ENHbgKeBI/AAAAAAAABHo/srNP9vAX-kM/s1600/00086888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49ZAXodX3A8/U9ENHbgKeBI/AAAAAAAABHo/srNP9vAX-kM/s1600/00086888.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpenters Building a House<br />Kansas Memory</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>From Kansas I crossed the mighty Mississippi and set off for Ohio. &nbsp;Somebody in my travels told me I should go to the <a href="http://library.ohio.gov/">State Library of Ohio</a> in Columbus. &nbsp;That's one big city, but I have a mouse and it didn't take me long to find my way to genealogy gold. &nbsp;Buried there is information about their <a href="http://library.ohio.gov/PCS/digitalcontent">Digital and Special Collections</a>. &nbsp;They open the door to other places in Ohio and before I knew it, I was looking at <a href="http://virtuallibrary.cincinnatilibrary.org/virtuallibrary/vl_citydir.aspx">City Directories</a>. &nbsp;With the help of that little mouse, I was looking at the <a href="http://virtuallibrary.cincinnatilibrary.org/virtuallibrary/vl_citydir.aspx?ResID=64">1825 Hall Cincinnati Directory</a>. &nbsp;Now that is really genealogy gold! &nbsp;I threw that old directory into my saddle bag and decided to see what else I could find. &nbsp;There's even more genealogy gold. &nbsp;I discovered the <a href="http://apps.ohiohistory.org/death/">Ohio Public Records Index</a> (deaths). started clicking and before I knew it, the horse needed fed and watered. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I took off for Delaware. &nbsp;It's a small state, but the records there are enormous. &nbsp;My journey took me to <a href="http://archives.delaware.gov/index.shtml">Delaware Public Archives</a>. &nbsp;The mouse led me to their <a href="http://archives.delaware.gov/exhibits/exhibits-toc.shtml">Digital Archives</a>. &nbsp;There are a lot of new-fangled names like eBooks and PDFs. &nbsp;I kept clicking and discovered what they call PDF files for five volumes of the <a href="http://archives.delaware.gov/eBooks/index.shtml">Delaware Archives-Military</a>. &nbsp;Talk is that my great, great, great grandfather served in the Revolutionary War from Delaware. &nbsp;This might be a big help! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The mouse is tired, my saddle bag is full and the horse needs a rest. &nbsp;I'll be off somewhere else tomorrow, so stay tuned.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Ruby --- mining for Genealogy Gold!&nbsp;</div>Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-6048370945550648432014-07-22T11:45:00.000-05:002014-07-22T11:45:27.904-05:00Another Day of Mining for Genealogy Gold There is definitely gold in the states. &nbsp;And you thought there was gold only in California? &nbsp;Nope, you are wrong. <br /><br />I just discovered gold in Connecticut, of all places! &nbsp;The <a href="http://www.ctstatelibrary.org/">Connecticut State Library</a> has a great digital collection. &nbsp;The <a href="http://cslib.cdmhost.com/index.php">Connecticut State Library Digital Collections </a>has many images and collections, but I found the Account Books, Diaries, and Journals to be very helpful. &nbsp;It is thrilling to discover a nugget buried somewhere and such is the case of digital images of&nbsp;<a href="http://cslib.cdmhost.com/cdm/compoundobject/collection/p15019coll14/id/610/rec/3">Capt. N. Lyon's Cash Book No. 2,</a> ca 1856-1861. &nbsp;He kept the cash book while serving in Co. B, 2nd Infantry of the US Army. &nbsp;If you think cash books and account books are mundane, think again. &nbsp;Something like this may be the only place you'll be able to place an ancestor at a given time.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqv4Aps3_78/U86UkyyKTzI/AAAAAAAABHY/h6YCJrRdSfo/s1600/diary+CT+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iqv4Aps3_78/U86UkyyKTzI/AAAAAAAABHY/h6YCJrRdSfo/s1600/diary+CT+.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt. N. Lyon's Cash Book No. 2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Miners expect to find gold and other minerals in Montana. &nbsp;The <a href="http://mhs.mt.gov/home.aspx">Montana Historical Society </a>has a digital collection in the <a href="http://mhs.mt.gov/research/online/mmp.aspx">Montana History Project</a>. &nbsp;This consists of diaries, letters, documents, brand records, county histories, maps, military enlistments and even state prison records. &nbsp;Since I got lost looking for Badger Creek, it seemed like a good idea to check out the <a href="http://mtplacenames.org/">Montana Place Names</a> web site. &nbsp;I entered Badger Creek (Glacier) as a place name and presto there appeared a topographical map showing me exactly where I need to stake my claim and start mining. <br /><br />I heard there was gold in Wyoming, so decided to check out the <a href="http://wyoarchives.state.wy.us/Archives/Visit.aspx">Wyoming State Archives</a>. &nbsp;There might be newspapers there that I can check for information on diggins. &nbsp;Found them at the <a href="http://www.wyonewspapers.org/">Wyoming Newspaper Project</a>. &nbsp;Those people have been busy. &nbsp;They have converted over 800,000 newspaper pages into digital format. <br /><br />Spending more time in Wyoming before moving on. &nbsp;Keep checking on my mining progress as I bring you news as to what I'm finding. &nbsp;So far I have been striking gold! <br /><br />Ruby --- the mining genealogist! Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-67684317556306731552014-07-21T08:54:00.000-05:002014-07-21T08:54:45.524-05:00Finding Genealogy GoldGenealogical research is like looking for gold. &nbsp;Maybe the first attempt you don't strike it rich and maybe not even on the second attempt. &nbsp;However, any good miner will tell you to keep trying but to also change your location. &nbsp;There are treasures in all kinds of locations, particularly on Internet. <br /><br />In a self-challenge I have been looking for gold in state archives, state libraries and state historical societies. &nbsp;I have struck pay dirt and feeling philanthropic this morning, I have decided to share my luck with you.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/">Maine State Archives</a> has an extensive index to <a href="http://www.maine.gov/sos/arc/research/revwargrants.html">Revolutionary War Land Grants and Pension Applications</a>. &nbsp;While it is only an index, there is identifying information as to where the records are located. &nbsp;There a lot more on their web page, so explore!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkk2d2Jwt_Y/U80axTeobwI/AAAAAAAABHA/xLZDkBvrQMY/s1600/header_agency_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkk2d2Jwt_Y/U80axTeobwI/AAAAAAAABHA/xLZDkBvrQMY/s1600/header_agency_logo.jpg" height="88" width="320" /></a></div><br />Working with land records and the land laws, I was pleased to learn more about Missouri's land history. &nbsp;The Missouri State Archives through<a href="http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/land.asp"> Missouri Digital Heritage</a> allows you to search Missouri Land Patents. &nbsp;The actual deed is not shown on the web site, but with click of the mouse you can locate sufficient information to send for a copy of it for $1 from the Missouri State Archives. &nbsp;If your ancestor is listed, that's pay dirt! <br /><br />Because I have an abundance of North Carolina ancestors, I am always interested in what I can locate &nbsp;in that state. &nbsp;Taking a trip through the <a href="http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/index.html">State Library of North Carolina</a>'s web site, I decided to dig deeper. &nbsp;I learned that they have free digitized <a href="http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/ghl/resources/newspapers.html">NC Newspaper online</a>. &nbsp;Actually there is a lot &nbsp;more mining to do there because I have noticed more digital images at <a href="http://www.digitalnc.org/">DigitalNC</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6QDHzY8UZ8/U80a-IVgS3I/AAAAAAAABHI/RxM6Eon6jp8/s1600/ad+for+blog.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6QDHzY8UZ8/U80a-IVgS3I/AAAAAAAABHI/RxM6Eon6jp8/s1600/ad+for+blog.tiff" /></a></div><br />I decided to try my luck in the deep south in Mississippi. &nbsp;The <a href="http://mdah.state.ms.us/new/">Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH)</a> is an excellent place to explore. &nbsp;Right away the<a href="http://mdah.state.ms.us/arrec/digital_archives/"> Digital Archives</a> caught my eye. &nbsp;Browsing through the list of topics, I spotted <a href="http://mdah.state.ms.us/arrec/digital_archives/pensions/">Confederate Pension Applications (Mississippi)</a>. &nbsp;That looked like a great place to dig. &nbsp;Confederate pensions were granted only through the former Confederate states and not by the federal government. &nbsp;Every good miner has to do their preliminary work, so I had my tools at hand ... names, locations, dates and more. &nbsp;Browsing the images of the pension applications is easy because they are in alphabetical categories. &nbsp;Once again I strike it rich!<br /><br />This miner is getting tired and it is time to pull out my maps, clean up my tools and begin another day. &nbsp;Look for more news of my findings of genealogy gold. &nbsp;I don't even mind if you move in on my location and look for your own gold. <br /><br />Ruby .... the genealogist and miner! Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-44650906352471936742014-05-30T20:33:00.000-05:002014-05-30T20:33:46.100-05:00Lost, but never forgotten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr82qa7dVw4/U4kwkQmijdI/AAAAAAAABFc/zCkcw-7hAlI/s1600/lost+but+never.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr82qa7dVw4/U4kwkQmijdI/AAAAAAAABFc/zCkcw-7hAlI/s1600/lost+but+never.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>It was a very warm Nebraska afternoon as people gathered at Fort McPherson National Cemetery south of Maxwell, Nebraska. &nbsp;The cemetery is a short distance from the military post of the same name that was built to protect people on their way west along the trails, as well as make sure that freight got safely westward also. <br /><br />The cemetery is full of knowns and unknowns, many of whom died in military skirmishes in western Nebraska. &nbsp;As forts closed on the western frontier, the dead were brought to Fort McPherson National Cemetery for reburial. &nbsp;Names of many were lost to time. &nbsp; Many wars are represented on the tombstones. <br /><br />Through the timeless efforts of the Missing in America Project, the remains of veterans are being identified, not only in Nebraska but in many other states. &nbsp;The purpose of the MIA project is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American Veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. &nbsp;They provide honor and respect to those who have served our country by securing a final resting place for those forgotten heroes. &nbsp;The Nebraska Missing in America Project was responsible today (30 May 2014) for bringing five urns to the cemetery for burial in the columbarium. <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10ZXx2ETLAg/U4kw7wGzvHI/AAAAAAAABFk/9ATVrcnNWVw/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10ZXx2ETLAg/U4kw7wGzvHI/AAAAAAAABFk/9ATVrcnNWVw/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half-mast flag at Fort McPherson National Cemetery</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As the flag flew at half mast, the gun salute echoed through the valley and taps sounded throughout the cemetery, there was a narrative about the five veterans &nbsp;They were ...<br /><br />Hazel Wood &nbsp;1917-2013 &nbsp;US Army WAC, WWII<br />Floyd Emil Johnson &nbsp;1931-2014 &nbsp;US Army, Korea<br />Gary L. Hirschman &nbsp;1952-2011 &nbsp;USMC, Vietnam<br />Charles Warner &nbsp;1946-2013 &nbsp;US Army, Vietnam<br />Reginal Thomas Prim &nbsp;1950-2014 &nbsp;US Navy, Vietnam<br /><br />All of the above named veterans were lacking relatives, but they were honored by a multitude of people who became self-proclaimed relatives, even for a small period of time. &nbsp; They gave their lives that all of us could be present to pay respect to them, but also to all of those buried in the cemetery ... the known and the unknown. &nbsp;May they all rest in peace. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttodti-2_GU/U4kxPLzgGcI/AAAAAAAABFs/nNsQQuwW-tw/s1600/IMG_2631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttodti-2_GU/U4kxPLzgGcI/AAAAAAAABFs/nNsQQuwW-tw/s1600/IMG_2631.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-45397264139104664632014-05-25T13:11:00.000-05:002014-05-25T13:11:40.675-05:00Family History Expo - Casper, WyomingGenealogists will gather for two days of classes, research assistance and networking in Casper, Wyoming on the 27th and 28th of June. &nbsp; The <a href="http://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/">Family History Expo</a> event will be held at the<a href="http://www.parkwayplaza.net/"> Parkway Plaza Hotel &amp; Convention Center</a>, 123 West E Street in Casper. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eojDypdsku8/U4Ix7udez2I/AAAAAAAABFE/BsfYdx2Srcc/s1600/fhxpo+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eojDypdsku8/U4Ix7udez2I/AAAAAAAABFE/BsfYdx2Srcc/s1600/fhxpo+logo.jpg" /></a></div><br />More than 25 classes will be held with Holly T. Hansen and Arlene H. Eakle as the keynote presenters. &nbsp;If you are researching Germanic and Scandinavian ancestry, you won't want to miss the classes taught by Ruth Ellen Maness. <br /><br />Go on a treasure hunt with me as I present the class, Treasures in Genealogical Research. &nbsp;I will also offer classes pertaining to becoming naturalized and immigrant women. &nbsp;Think you know everything about the 1940 US Census? &nbsp;I will share some great tips and suggestions for using the census. &nbsp;And finally ... is your genealogy in a mess? &nbsp;I'll give you some great suggestions and ideas about cleaning things up in my class Organizing Your Genealogy Mess.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XelwQFUst5c/U4IyDhZPKQI/AAAAAAAABFM/L83KjgFKeX8/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XelwQFUst5c/U4IyDhZPKQI/AAAAAAAABFM/L83KjgFKeX8/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div><br />We are roping in the genealogy cowboys and cowgirls in Wyoming. &nbsp;Be sure you check out the <a href="http://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/">Family History Expo</a> web page and pre-register for this great event. &nbsp;Then you can get back in the saddle and start looking for your ancestors! &nbsp;See you in Casper! Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-79313771112275159172014-05-23T12:21:00.000-05:002014-05-23T12:21:50.015-05:00Family History Retreat Genealogists love to visit with each other about genealogy. &nbsp;They also listen and look for helpful information and ideas for doing research. &nbsp;You can combine all that into my fantastic retreat to be held on 6-7 June (next month!) at Colby, Kansas. &nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay7ldH-iSXA/U3-DRAYDDAI/AAAAAAAABEo/G8oIsn29gac/s1600/map01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay7ldH-iSXA/U3-DRAYDDAI/AAAAAAAABEo/G8oIsn29gac/s1600/map01.gif" height="175" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/">Family History Expo</a>s is holding a retreat at the <a href="http://www.colbyconvention.com/">City Limits Convention Center</a>, 2227 South Range Avenue in Colby. &nbsp;Attendees will receive many benefits from their registration, including meals and accommodations, admission to the Prairie Museum, a 12 month subscription to Digital Mag, a research kit, Expo CD as well as professional instruction by their professionals. &nbsp;Holly Hansen and Arlene Eakle will guide attendees toward successful avenues of research and help you hurdle over those brick walls.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>There will be a field trip on Friday to the courthouse, cemetery, churches, library and museum. &nbsp;Also on the agenda is a time to network together. &nbsp;On Saturday there will be classroom instruction and research skill building. &nbsp;I will show up about noon on Saturday to present a program on the Homestead Records Online. &nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8o6hdt8_x8/U3-DZlWgKSI/AAAAAAAABEw/vcDh0mCEIWU/s1600/1367272490_CFHlogoName-ColorRGB-1x1-300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8o6hdt8_x8/U3-DZlWgKSI/AAAAAAAABEw/vcDh0mCEIWU/s1600/1367272490_CFHlogoName-ColorRGB-1x1-300dpi.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>For more information about this great event, be sure to check the agenda and register at <a href="http://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/">Family History Expos</a> or call 801-829-3295. &nbsp;I hope to see many eager genealogists at the retreat. &nbsp;Let's have some genealogy fun! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-65327830571240493232014-05-08T08:56:00.000-05:002014-05-08T08:56:44.722-05:00Genealogical Research in NebraskaMy first book about Nebraska was published in 2011. &nbsp;To add more information plus updated URLs and addresses, I have written <i>Genealogical Research in Nebraska</i>, revised edition. &nbsp;It is now available for purchase at my <a href="http://genealogyworks.weebly.com/genealogical-research-in-nebraska.html">web page</a>. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XsCka0qQhLg/U2uKqWgPK5I/AAAAAAAABDc/981339GXOFU/s1600/revised+front+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XsCka0qQhLg/U2uKqWgPK5I/AAAAAAAABDc/981339GXOFU/s1600/revised+front+cover.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><br />The book contains 537 pages on history, genealogy, records and resources of Nebraska. &nbsp;There are over a thousand URL links to web pages. &nbsp;Each county is detailed with courthouse information, libraries with collections, information on genealogical and historical societies, research centers and museums. &nbsp;The chapters are:<br /><br />Nebraska Settlement and Statehood<br />Trails, Roads and Forts<br />Settlements<br />Ethnic Groups and Settlements<br />Native Americans<br />Courts and Records<br />Land Laws and Records<br />Nebraska's Large Repositories<br />Census Records<br />Religious Records<br />Newspapers<br />Cemeteries<br />Steamboats and Railroads<br />Orphan Trains<br />Wars and Military Records<br />Schools<br />Institutions<br />Organizations<br />Farming, Ranching and Records<br />Federal Records of Nebraska<br />Addresses<br />Nebraska Counties<br />Nebraska Publications and Histories<br />Family History Centers<br />Maps, Atlases, Directories and Gazetteers<br /><br />From the dreams and travels of explorers and mountain men, Nebraska Territory played host to thousands of people migrating in search of adventure, wealth, land and religious freedom. &nbsp;The dawn of each day brought countless wagons filled with the hopeful, clanking across the land as they followed the trails westward. &nbsp;Eventually the wagons were replaced by strips of steel that were laid across the state. &nbsp;This would link the United States coast to coast and also change the way of life, economy and settlement forever. &nbsp;Nebraska became a state in 1867 and with great expansion and abundance of land, became a prime area for settlement. &nbsp;Some pioneers stayed and others moved on. &nbsp;Regardless, their mark was already made in Nebraska records. <br /><br />The book sells for $32.95 plus $5.00 postage and handling. &nbsp;It is spiral bound which means you can easily use it by your computer or research notes. &nbsp;It is the most up to date compilation about doing research in Nebraska. <br /><br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-77812148948871014712014-01-27T08:29:00.000-06:002014-01-27T08:29:38.986-06:00Why Iowa is Special<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwhNYMMNrBk/UuZtEDAo3rI/AAAAAAAABC0/MZoyqc604CY/s1600/iowa_90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwhNYMMNrBk/UuZtEDAo3rI/AAAAAAAABC0/MZoyqc604CY/s1600/iowa_90.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>Iowa was my home for a while. &nbsp;I found it fascinating geographically, historically and genealogically. &nbsp; &nbsp;I enjoyed looking at the fields of soybeans, changing to their golden color in the fall, farm yards with squealing pigs and rolling hills of terraced farming. &nbsp;Often I would imagine how my ancestors (and yours) saw the land when they first arrived when Iowa was a territory and then a new state. &nbsp;Unbroken ground ... a new life ... a challenging life.<br /><br />Having spent so many years in Nebraska, I soon realized that things were a bit different in Iowa when doing research. Some courthouse records are referred to differently and some are the same. &nbsp;Nebraska's recording of names of parents, including mother's maiden names, does not particularly hold true in Iowa. &nbsp;You may luck out and find the names! &nbsp;Naturally the records are older in Iowa than in Nebraska. <br /><br />One major difference is in the census records. &nbsp;Those records, although some are not completely extant, begin in 1836. &nbsp;Iowa took state enumerations every few years, making it very easy to keep track of your Iowa ancestors. &nbsp;Combine that with the federal census and you have a wonderful profile of your ancestor, including migrations and family additions or deaths. &nbsp;The last census taken in Iowa was in 1925. &nbsp;Because of the information contained in that census, it is extremely valuable to researchers. You are lucky if you can identify ancestors or relatives on that enumeration because it lists names of parents, including mother's maiden name, along with place of birth and marriage and ages if living. <br /><br />These are just some of the items that you can read about in my new book, <i>Iowa Genealogical Research</i>. &nbsp;The book contains 416 pages and is spiral bound. &nbsp;It is a great reference book for anybody doing research in Iowa. &nbsp;There are hundreds of URLs for Internet sites, along with addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers. <br /><br />This is the link to order the book online,&nbsp;<a href="http://genealogyworks.weebly.com/store/p1/Iowa_Genealogical_Research.html">http://genealogyworks.weebly.com/store/p1/Iowa_Genealogical_Research.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-8399953234964791602014-01-24T14:14:00.001-06:002014-01-24T14:14:54.911-06:00Iowa Genealogical ResearchToday I received the shipment of my new book, Iowa Genealogical Research. &nbsp;It is long last for sale! The book contains 416 pages, endnotes, and thousands of Internet URLs and is spiral bound. &nbsp;The chapters are:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F__2a5srZAc/UuLJP7XHlQI/AAAAAAAABCk/Fnihg3Z8ChI/s1600/Iowa+book+cover+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F__2a5srZAc/UuLJP7XHlQI/AAAAAAAABCk/Fnihg3Z8ChI/s1600/Iowa+book+cover+jpg.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div><br />Settlement and Statehood<br />The Mormon Trail and Settlements<br />Ethnic Settlements<br />Native Americans<br />Iowa's Large Repositories and Archives<br />Courts and Records<br />Iowa Counties<br />Census Records<br />Religious Records<br />Newspapers<br />Schools<br />Transportation ... Steamboats and Railroads<br />Cemeteries<br />City Directories<br />Orphan Trains<br />Institutions and Hospitals<br />Wars and Military Records<br />Genealogical Societies, Historical Societies and Museums<br />FamilySearch Centers<br />Iowa Libraries<br />USGenWeb, USGenNet and Genealogy Trails<br />Iowa Publications and Histories<br />Maps, Research Addresses <br /><br />There are examples of documents in the book, which enhances the reader's knowledge of records that can be found pertaining to Iowa. &nbsp;If you are researching in Iowa, this book is a must for your genealogy library. <br /><br />The book sells for $29.95 plus $5 shipping/handling. &nbsp;You can order it online at my web page <a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvstcc7">Genealogy Works</a>. <br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-68775282080119341292013-10-18T09:22:00.001-05:002013-10-18T09:24:06.082-05:00Use the FamilySearch Wiki<br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you remember using an encyclopedia?&nbsp; If you were lucky, your parents purchased a set to be used at home.&nbsp; Otherwise, you made a trip to the library. &nbsp;<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSGtvDijfyc/UmFDmqCZgiI/AAAAAAAAA90/_WrCvftdwtc/s1600/PA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSGtvDijfyc/UmFDmqCZgiI/AAAAAAAAA90/_WrCvftdwtc/s320/PA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FamilySearch Wiki for Pennsylvania</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span><br /><div style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you didn’t know something or didn’t understand something, you looked it up in an encyclopedia.&nbsp; Today it is even faster and better and a whole lot cheaper.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genealogists should be using the <a href="https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Main_Page">FamilySearch WIKI.</a>&nbsp; I cannot recommend it enough.&nbsp; In order to do your research you have to study and learn.&nbsp; The WIKI gives you abounding information to prepare for your research. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the opening page smack dab in the middle you will see a search box.&nbsp; You can search by place or topic, such as Ohio, military records, probate, chancery court, naturalizations, etc.&nbsp; As you have learned, not every state or county is alike in their legal system and jurisdictions.&nbsp; Therefore, after you have read all about probate records in general, go to a state that you are researching in, such as Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania. &nbsp;<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oc3UmA7kffE/UmFD8O6fm0I/AAAAAAAAA98/fGHd9-no9QI/s1600/More+PA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oc3UmA7kffE/UmFD8O6fm0I/AAAAAAAAA98/fGHd9-no9QI/s400/More+PA.jpg" width="87" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Links to more information</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span><br /><div style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did just that for Pennsylvania and there are 1,659 wikis for Pennsylvania!&nbsp; So, I clicked on just <a href="https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>.&nbsp; Along with key information, unique features, maps, etc. is a listing of key topics and other topics.&nbsp; Click on probate and now you will learn even more.&nbsp; Pennsylvania wills have been filed with the “register of wills” in each county, where they are recorded in indexed books.&nbsp; There is more good information.&nbsp; I also see that some are available online at <a href="http://ancestry.com/">Ancestry.com</a>.&nbsp; I will need to check that.&nbsp; Scrolling on down is a link to the Pennsylvania probate record in the online collection of the FamilySearch Historical Records.&nbsp; Do I need to write a letter to a courthouse or go to Salt Lake City to use microfilm?&nbsp; Maybe not!&nbsp; It might be that I’ll find what I need online.&nbsp; If not, I’m prepared to rent microfilm or write letters.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the Wiki articles are more informative than others.&nbsp; For example, there is a <a href="https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Massachusetts_Genealogy_Guide">Massachusetts Genealogy Guide</a> complete with maps and historical data time line.&nbsp; Even more interesting information is found in the county guides.&nbsp; You can click and click your way through information that will make you a better genealogist and insure that you are going to succeed in your research.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><div style="min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make a practice of using the FamilySearch Wiki.&nbsp; It’s a good thing! &nbsp;</span></span></div>Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-48094062804388381372013-09-30T09:08:00.000-05:002013-09-30T09:08:20.775-05:00Whoa! Genealogy WorldIt is a whirlwind with speeds equivalent to a tornado. &nbsp;Every day there is something new, something changed, something added. &nbsp;If I miss a day, it's catch up time until my brain is saturated with technology ... more than I ever want to know. &nbsp;I am somewhat addicted to blogs and Facebook and webinars and podcasts. &nbsp;Why? &nbsp;Will my genealogy research and life continue without them? <br /><br />I have been researching since I was a teenager in high school. &nbsp;This was proper researching as my mother hired a mentor who had great genealogy knowledge and research skills to instruct me "the right way." &nbsp;She didn't tell me what to do, she led me in the right direction and allowed me to make my decisions (right or wrong) and evaluate the source, information and evidence, thus reaching a conclusion. &nbsp;I'm no spring chick ... my 70th birthday is fast approaching. &nbsp;I've been at this genealogy "stuff" for a long time!<br /><br />After all these years of research for myself and clients, why should I care about technology and networking? &nbsp;The primary reason is that if I don't care, my research comes to a halt. &nbsp;Yes, I'm still researching and will until I can't remember my name. &nbsp;Of course, that may be soon as I sometimes can only remember what happened to my ancestor in 1849 instead of what I'm doing in 2013. <br /><br />How much knowledge do we need to do proper genealogical research? &nbsp;What is proper genealogical research? &nbsp;That's the division point between the novice and the experienced and professional genealogist. &nbsp;Are we trying to educate the world? &nbsp;Maybe! &nbsp;I have learned early on that I can't get enough genealogical education. &nbsp;The key to success is how we educate. &nbsp;My local genealogy society has started a monthly study group. &nbsp;The topic is anything they wish to discuss with a theme each month. &nbsp;They are like sponges and I delight in hearing their questions and their comments that they are learning. <br /><br />HOWEVER, there comes a time that I have to put to practice what I am learning, be it technology, digital imagery, or techniques for retrieving information. &nbsp;A few years ago while lecturing at a conference, a genealogist told me that she knew what she wanted to do with a particular source, if she just knew where to locate it. &nbsp;Are we just listening, sharing and relying too heavily on social media and Internet for the answers? &nbsp;Are we not applying any of the skills we learned from school-days? &nbsp;If a teacher in high school asked you to find an answer, you did it or at least attempted to do it. &nbsp;Why are you suddenly mentally blocked when it comes to genealogy? &nbsp;When is the last time you actually applied what you are learning? &nbsp;When I lecture I stress to those attending to go home and practice what I preach.<br /><br />In some respects I envy the beginner who is entering information on a pedigree chart for the first time. &nbsp;They are seeing their ancestry with "new eyes" for the first time. &nbsp;How many of us old-timers have actually looked back to the beginning of our pedigree chart in awe? &nbsp;Each day I try to wean myself from the social aspects of genealogy and the webinars and podcasts and blogs and look at my own ancestry. &nbsp;There's a lot there, so I mainly review some of my notes with a new outlook and then apply all the new education I have received in this new 21st century world of genealogy. <br /><br />My genealogy world is spinning, pulling and tugging and I am learning and whirling every day. &nbsp;Each day I have to say WHOA! and remember why I am doing genealogical research. &nbsp;That's when I practice what I have learned and continue to learn. &nbsp;I am sure that if I miss a new database or the latest digital information, my colleagues and genealogy friends will notify me. &nbsp;That's the blessings of social media. &nbsp;The true blessing is to actually do genealogical research. Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-54016012109435405872013-08-14T16:33:00.001-05:002013-08-14T16:33:17.425-05:00Midwest Family History Expo 2013For the second year the <a href="https://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/viewevent/index/64/#eg">Family History Expo</a> is returning to Kearney, Nebraska. &nbsp;This event will be held on September 6th and 7th at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 110 South Second Avenue in Kearney, NE; phone 308-237-5971. <br /><br />The Expo is a great place to learn, share and create memories. &nbsp; This is the 10th Anniversary of the Family History Expo and owner, Holly Hansen, is giving complimentary booths to all Nebraska societies that would like to display fliers and handouts or sell their books. <br /><br />Keynote speaker James L. Tanner will get everybody excited about locating records and putting their minds to work about genealogy. &nbsp;He wrote the book <i>The Guide to FamilySearch Online</i> and will also be doing a number of lectures. <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUpMbXGvV9o/Ugv3e_OZ2hI/AAAAAAAAA70/6-2DFMlnEDk/s1600/ksp_20121411150128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XUpMbXGvV9o/Ugv3e_OZ2hI/AAAAAAAAA70/6-2DFMlnEDk/s1600/ksp_20121411150128.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James L. Tanner<br />Keynote Speaker</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For those who are anxious to know about Swedish, Scandinavian and German research, professional speakers will guide them through the process. &nbsp;Some of us will be speaking on United States records. &nbsp;I will be presenting three lectures per day on military records, doing good research, land records, territorial and state census, Czech ancestry and maps. <br /><br />As usual, there will be an Ask The Pro area. &nbsp;It's free ... just bring your questions. &nbsp;Between classes, you will want to visit the vendors and visit with others about genealogy. <br /><br />I am looking forward to seeing you at the Family History Expo in Kearney! <br /><br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-50715053691739110522013-08-02T09:59:00.001-05:002013-08-02T09:59:15.903-05:00Family History Expo Day OneHere I am in Colorado Springs blogging about the <a href="http://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/">Family History Expo</a>. &nbsp;I will go to the vending area before too long to see if I can help with anything and chat with genealogy friends. &nbsp;I don't make a presentation until this afternoon. &nbsp;The topic is Genealogy on a Shoe String Budget. &nbsp;Now who doesn't like something free! &nbsp; Everything I talk about in the lecture is FREE or almost free. <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jetnlRskFt4/UfvJFc4jHXI/AAAAAAAAA7k/DnCL7Aoijn0/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jetnlRskFt4/UfvJFc4jHXI/AAAAAAAAA7k/DnCL7Aoijn0/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iowa newspaper from<br />Chronicling America</td></tr></tbody></table><br />One of my favorite web pages (free) is <a href="http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/">Chronicling America</a> at the<a href="http://www.loc.gov/"> Library of Congress</a> web site. &nbsp;Yesterday they added over 600,000 newspaper pages. &nbsp;First timers are from the states of Iowa, Michigan and West Virginia. &nbsp;They have made additions to those of Hawaii, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. &nbsp;Can I skip the Expo and just "play" with the newspapers? &nbsp;Don't think I had better do that. <br /><br />At 2 a.m. this morning I was unable to sleep. &nbsp;That's when I start checking for <a href="http://blog.eogn.com/">Dick Eastman's </a>newsletter in my e-mail box. &nbsp;I think this is becoming a 2 a.m. habit. &nbsp;If you subscribe, check it out. &nbsp;One of his posts is about <a href="http://Elephinbd.com/">Elephinbd.com</a> and yes, it's free. &nbsp;If you love looking for ancestors and relatives in the press, check it out. &nbsp;They have 1,205,603 individual newspapers and 1,141 titles. &nbsp;I checked it out at 2:15 a.m. and discovered some interesting news about ancestors. <br /><br />Maybe between lectures today I could sneak in a quick nap and a quick search of the newspapers. Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-61005984082225935012013-07-27T16:11:00.001-05:002013-07-27T16:11:45.645-05:00State Guides, Records and MoreI have discovered a handy web site that provides a lot of links to various sites of genealogical interest. &nbsp;It's <a href="http://barbsnow.net/classnotes.html">Bobbie's Genealogy Classroom</a>. &nbsp;The titles of headings are State Guides, The Records and Research Advise. &nbsp;While some of the links are better than others, the overall quality of the web page is very good. &nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PExK5lWhCeo/UfQ3Hvgb94I/AAAAAAAAA7U/uEuRtUyWf6E/s1600/teamwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PExK5lWhCeo/UfQ3Hvgb94I/AAAAAAAAA7U/uEuRtUyWf6E/s200/teamwork.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Since I research in South Carolina, I was particularly interested in the guide for South Carolina Ancestors. &nbsp;Not only is there a link to the Family History Library Wiki for South Carolina research, but also a guide to basic genealogy guides for the state and maps. &nbsp;Who doesn't love maps for their research? &nbsp;I was impressed with all the links to formation maps, settlement maps, maps of counties and parishes and links to atlases. <br /><br />Some of the titles under "The Records" are Church Records, Apprenticeship and Indenture Records, Naturalization, Probate Records, Tax Lists and Vital Records. &nbsp;As an example, the Probate Records contains information about important things to know about probate. &nbsp;It also has online lesson links for more information and how to locate them. <br /><br />All genealogists need help and advise. &nbsp;I was particularly interested in the section on Quaker Ancestors. &nbsp;There are links to major Quaker record repositories, information on Hinshaw's 6 volume Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy and much more. &nbsp;If you enjoy using Google, there is a good learning guide to Google Genealogy. <br /><br />Be sure to link to <a href="http://barbsnow.net/classnotes.html">Bobbie's Genealogy Classroom</a> for great genealogy connections.Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-46411019031121001702013-07-12T16:49:00.000-05:002013-07-12T16:49:06.213-05:00Colorado Family History Expo<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A fantastic program is planned for the <a href="https://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/viewevent/index/63">Colorado Family History Expo</a> which will be 2nd and 3rd August 2013 in Colorado Springs. &nbsp;It will be held at the <a href="http://www.hotelelegante.com/">Hotel Elegante Conference &amp; Event Center</a>, 2886 South Circle Drive. &nbsp;<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AsPYT3lHXY/UeB5cUA9Z6I/AAAAAAAAA6o/P6CATS7xyVI/s1600/staticmap.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AsPYT3lHXY/UeB5cUA9Z6I/AAAAAAAAA6o/P6CATS7xyVI/s320/staticmap.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location of Hotel Elegante Conference &amp; Event Center</td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The expo begins on August 2nd at 1:00 pm with keynote speaker James L. Tanner. &nbsp;He will share the Top 10 Techniques that you need to locate your ancestors. &nbsp; This years conference in Colorado Springs will features a track of Scandinavian classes by Ruth Ellen Maness, AG and Kathy Meade. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sponsors are FamilySearch, 50 Plus Marketplace News, and Celebrating Family History. &nbsp;There will be exhibits by RootsMagic, 4 Cats Ink., Family Roots Publishing, Genealogy Presentation and Genealogical Institutes. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://genealogywallcharts.com/">GenealogyWallCharts.com</a> has partnered with the Family History Expo to prepare each registered attendee a FREE 24"x18", 24"x32" or 24"x36" fan chart with the attendee's personal genealogy. &nbsp;There is a 10% discount on any order purchased by using the discount code FHE10. &nbsp;Attendees must pre-order the chart before the event to be delivered at the Expo. &nbsp;Order by July 30th at <a href="http://genealogywallcharts.com/">GenealogyWallCharts.com</a>. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The <a href="https://www.familyhistoryexpos.com/viewevent/index/63">Colorado Family History Expo</a> will be a great genealogy event. &nbsp;I will be one of the presenters and look forward to seeing genealogy friends and making new genealogy friends. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">See 'ya in Colorado! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3802641512940122703.post-72367254800665387802013-06-23T12:43:00.001-05:002013-06-23T12:43:53.231-05:00<h2 style="text-align: center;"><b>Genealogy Discoveries</b></h2><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCReRjIEs4Y/Uccyug65LDI/AAAAAAAAA6I/-Z-hmTXmjqE/s1600/Discover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCReRjIEs4Y/Uccyug65LDI/AAAAAAAAA6I/-Z-hmTXmjqE/s320/Discover.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in front of the Family History Library</td></tr></tbody></table>Home one week from Salt Lake City and I am still sorting through photocopies and looking at scanned documents. &nbsp;This will continue for some time. &nbsp;You don't go to the Family History Library for two weeks and come home empty handed. &nbsp;It was truly two weeks of discoveries. <br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />What is your attitude when you crank a reel of microfilm? &nbsp;Are you optimistic or pessimistic? &nbsp;Even if you do not find anything pertinent on that reel of microfilm, you at least know nothing is in that group of documents. &nbsp;However, when you begin cranking and see this message, it's difficult to assume anything but that your ancestor's name is going to be under that smeared ink or on a page so faded you cannot begin to read it. &nbsp;Intermittent? &nbsp;When wasn't my ancestor intermittent? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5C0z0O6pZNs/UcczK8pYF-I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/JG9SKvZVYjQ/s1600/intermittent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5C0z0O6pZNs/UcczK8pYF-I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/JG9SKvZVYjQ/s320/intermittent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />After a week of research I requested microfilm from the Vault. &nbsp;It was soon discovered that the film has been scanned. &nbsp;It is still not on the digital images of FamilySearch ... perhaps soon. &nbsp;I am glad I went ahead and ordered the film. <br /><br />Another discovery was that new books are frequenting the shelves on the Third Floor which now contains all United States books. &nbsp;Yes, some are being digitized, but it was exciting to locate new books. &nbsp;The Canadian books have been removed to the Main Floor which also contains what remains of the family histories/genealogies. &nbsp;The other floors remain much the same as they have been in years past. <br /><br />I am told that patronage of the library is down because people "think" everything is online. &nbsp;Get a clue!! &nbsp;Not everything is in the Family History Library and NOT everything is on Internet. &nbsp;There were noticeably less people using the library than in others years I have been there. &nbsp;Also noticeable was the cut back in hours on Saturdays. &nbsp;I heard a few complaints about it not opening until 9 am on Saturday mornings. &nbsp;Do you remember when the library was open at 7:30 am and closed at 10 pm? &nbsp;Those were the days!! &nbsp;The days of putting tooth picks in your eyes to stay awake until the last minute. <br /><br />As usual it is fun to visit with people waiting to be first in line at the front door each morning. &nbsp;That's a great place to share information. &nbsp;One morning I was visiting with a young man about a Minnesota death certificate that arrived at my house after I arrived at Salt Lake City. &nbsp;My daughter called and attempted to read it to me. &nbsp;She proclaimed that the man's father had an unusual name that looked that Don or Doun. &nbsp;Her daughter looked at the document and quickly told me that man's parents were both of the same name ... Don't Know. &nbsp;It happens! &nbsp;No place of birth other than Austria left me rather clueless as to where to look. &nbsp;The young man waiting to get into the library laughed at my story and then recommended that I visit the web page, <a href="http://www.dalbydata.com/">Dalby Database</a>. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.dalbydata.com/">Dalby Database</a> is a great place to look for Minnesota records, such as marriages, cemeteries, city directories, birth records, newspaper information, church records, obituaries and histories. &nbsp;In 1981 after suffering a heart attack, John Dalby of Faribault, Minnesota, not able to return to work, started doing genealogical research, walking cemeteries, indexing books and all that stuff genealogists desire. &nbsp;His information is now online in magnificent databases. &nbsp;Nope ... still no clue about Mr. and Mrs. Don't Know. <br /><br />Truly genealogy is a daily discovery for me. &nbsp;I don't have to be in the Family History Library (but that would be nice). &nbsp;I can do genealogy at home, in other libraries, courthouses, graveyards &nbsp;... well, you get the idea. &nbsp;I hope you are making genealogy discoveries today.<br /><br /><br />Ruby Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03867948915037365285noreply@blogger.com0